Good sub-sub genre Horror, but the `Tricked up' story borrows a lot

Rating: 7/10 (15 September 2003)

In regards to a film borrowing from other films, I suppose it's near impossible to create a story which is completely original, especially when a story belongs to a sub-sub genre. The sub-sub genre which I refer to, I call: Post Apocalyptic, Last Normals Alive in an Urban Environment Ravaged by Psychotic Blood-Sucking Freaks!' Phew!!
Although there is nothing really new in 28DL, I was entertained and generally satisfied mainly because I find the Post Apocalyptic, Last Normals Alive etc sub-sub genre really fascinating and frightening. I think the world of 28DL, The Omega Man and Night of the Comet (1984) represent the most terrifying circumstances a protagonist could find themselves in.
28DL is tightly and expertly edited, however I did find the story a little too manufactured in places. Without putting any Spoilers into this review, there are scenes in the film where characters unnecessarily walk into dangerous situations. In other words there's forced interactions between the protagonist Normals and the Infecteds. Forced interactions between characters means lazy writing.
I'm a bit unconvinced about some of the characters and their motivations. For example, human beings by their very nature are heavily addicted to structured society. In 28DL however there are some uninfected Normals whose basic drive is for short term pleasure and cruelty rather than doing constructive stuff. I know this is a debatable point, but I believe that given a circumstance which is highly stressful, Normals' are going to be motivated to stick together, co-operate and get things done.
I think Alex Garland should have spent more effort shading some characters and this would have made 28DL more effective. There are characters in the film who are a little too 'one track minded' to be convincing. I also think there should have been a bit more time spent on explaining the Infecteds and their disease. I'm still confused as to whether they become entirely cannibalistic, or whether they just bite victims and spread infection.
But overall, a good sub-sub genre effort. 7/10